A guy took me to a bowling alley in Philly and totally flipped my dating app routine

So last month I matched with this dude on Hinge and he asked me to go bowling at this old alley in South Philly. I almost said no because my usual first date is drinks at some overpriced cocktail bar where you can barely hear each other. But I went and it was actually genius. We bowled two games and between frames we talked way more naturally than sitting across a table. He was super competitive and kept trash talking me, but in a fun way. The whole thing cost like $30 with shoe rental and a pitcher of beer. I realized I'd been doing dating app dates all wrong for like 3 years just sticking to bars. Ever since then I always suggest something active like bowling or mini golf for a first meet up instead. Has anyone else had a random activity date that completely changed how you approached meeting people from apps?

3 comments

3 Comments

christopherw341mo ago

@jamie_adams I kinda disagree with the whole active date thing honestly. I've tried bowling and mini golf a few times and it always feels like you're either ignoring each other to take a turn or forcing conversation during a random pause.

gray8751mo ago

Did you ever try something where you're both doing the same thing at the same time? Went bowling with a friend once and we just kept score for each other, talking between frames felt natural that way. Maybe it's more about finding an activity where you can chat while you work, not wait for turns.

jamie_adams1mo ago

Well that's a great idea. Sounds way more fun than sitting across from a stranger making small talk.